Russia's ruling elite is trying to use elections to legitimize a semi-authoritarian regime and experimenting with a formula for national transformation that relies on conflicting elements.  The contradictions will eventually lead to the collapse of the current system, and Russia will have to pass through a period of disappointment before it can begin the search for a more effective political structure. 

 

Reprinted with permission from Current History (October 2006) c 2006, Current History, Inc.

 

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